Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County

Spradling Selected As New Bourbon County Attorney

1 Comment
Jacqueline Spradling is the new Bourbon County Attorney. Photo submitted by Deb Martin.

The next county attorney was chosen Thursday evening by the Bourbon County Republican Party at their convention, which was held at the Fort Scott Livestock Market.

Jacqueline Spradling, Spring Hill, was selected to be the next Bourbon County Attorney.

Thirty-four Republican Committeemen and Committeewomen votes were counted, with 23 votes going to Jacqueline Spradling.

“She threw her hat in the ring at noon today,” Gayle Sackett, Republican Party Chairman, said.

Spradling is replacing Justin Meeks, who remains as Bourbon County Counselor, but served in both capacities prior to January 2.

Spradling graduated in 1991 with a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University; 1998 with a Masters of Criminal Justice from Washburn University; 1989 with a BA degree in Psychology and Political Science from Washburn University; and in 1987  with an AA from Washburn University, according to information provided by Sackett.

Her experience is as follows:

  • 2017 to present – ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY. Allen County Attorney’s Office.
  • 2009 to 2017 – CHIEF DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY. Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office. In charge of all homicide prosecutions, Chief of the Cold Case Homicide Unit.
  • 2007 to 2009 – KANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE. Assistant Attorney General prosecuting cases of domestic violence. Extensive training was provided to law enforcement and prosecutors on the topic of domestic violence, in addition to carrying a caseload.
  • 1991 – 2007 – JOHNSON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE. Senior Trial Attorney and Section Chief in charge of the domestic violence unit. Previous responsibilities include Section Chief in charge of the Intern Program, Prosecutor on the Drug and White Collar Units.

Sackett, who was vice-chairman previously,  led the convention, stepping up after the sudden death of Republican Party Chairman Randall Readinger in late December.

Because of Readinger’s death, the convention was postponed a few days past Meeks last day of January 2.

Following Spradling’s  appointment, she will have to run in the November 2018 election, Sackett said.

A letter to certify the election will be sent tomorrow, then the governor will appoint Spradling.

Photos submitted by Vickie Shead.

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

KState Extension: New Year Resolutions for the Farmer

Leave a comment

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent

Polls show that 88 percent of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution. While resolutions can be as unique as the individual, the most popular resolutions are to eat healthier (55%), exercise more (50%), and lose weight (38%).

Although made with good intentions, most people fail to follow through in keeping their goals for the New Year. But that doesn’t mean our farmers and ranchers can’t be among the 20% of people who do actually achieve success with their resolutions.

Slow down.  Farmers are notorious for being in a rush – always too much to do and not enough time to get it done. I realize a farmer’s day doesn’t always go according to schedule, but if you can slow down you may save yourself time in the long run. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

Get organized. Get a new notepad or calendar to keep track of breeding dates, birthing dates, and dates that vaccinations were given. Personal experience says the intent to just remember that tag number and write it down once in the house is often forgotten. A handy calendar in the pickup or barn will encourage those things to be written down immediately.

Learn from past mistakes. I am guessing that many of us have something we wish we could change from the past year.  Whether it be remembering a birthday or communicating to family or employees, try to avoid making the same mistake twice. Think about one decision you would change from the past year and make and create a plan to correct it for 2018.

Create a marketing plan. This could be for either a crops or livestock operation. Will you be ready to price grain when you reach your price objective? Do you have a price objective? Can you market your cattle in a more efficient manner and gain more profits? If you have a plan, you will be more prepared when the markets change.

Eat healthier. I am certainly not a nutritionist, but it doesn’t take one to tell you that a can of soda is not healthy. Look for ways to eat healthier and drink plenty of water. You are a valuable resource to your farming operation and to your family.

Change one thing. Surely there is something on your farm or ranch that you’ve intended to correct or fix. Maybe the fence is in need of drastic repair, or the driveway needs a new load of gravel. Either way, find that one thing that you’ve intended to do and get it done. Commit to having it accomplished by a specific date and stick to it.

Spend time with family.  Kids grow fast and whether you are a parent or grandparent you surely realize the most precious gift is time. As the kid of a farmer, I can tell you that spending any time with Dad is valuable.  Give them a ride in the pickup on the way to the field or let them ride in the passenger seat of the tractor or combine. While you have some one-on-one time, talk to them and slow down enough to listen. This advice is good for your spouse too!

Learn something new. Living in the technology age, there really isn’t a good excuse for not knowing what is going on in the world around you. If you haven’t figured out how to use the internet, ask someone to show you how. You will be amazed at the information and resources available to you.

Another year has passed, and here we are at the beginning of 2018. This is surely to be a year of many good memories and experiences. For me, I hope it is a year of Patience – my personal resolution to make me a better mom, wife, friend and co-worker. Happy New Year!

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Meeks Set To Focus On County Counselor Position

1 Comment

Justin Meeks resigned as Bourbon County Attorney on November 22, 2017, with an official last day January 2.

He has been doing both that job and the Bourbon County Counselor position since February 2015.

“Nobody can do both job functions,” Meeks said. “Because of the amount of time needed.  I wanted to do an A+ but couldn’t, with the hours involved.”

His focus now is administrative law.

Meeks will be giving the county legal advice about contracts, acquisition, and human resources, he said.

An example  is research on issues that come to the commission. “They (the Bourbon County Commission) have had me do a lot of research on fire districts,” he said.

“My goal is not to get the commissioners sued,” Meeks said with a laugh.

Meeks vacated his county attorney office Tuesday. He will be working out of the second floor of the courthouse.

The required hours for the counselor position is 25 per week. But “I’ve always worked more than the expected hours,” he said.

For this position, he will be paid $64,000 a year.

“That works out to be $48 per billable hours,” he said.

Meeks said nearby Allen County has a part-time county attorney that makes $70,000, a part-time assistant county attorney that makes somewhere in the “upper $50,000s.”  And also a county counselor that makes $58,000.

The Bourbon County Attorney position is  $50,230, he said, with 35 hours required per week.

Meeks said he is “excited” about the counselor position focus.

“There is a lot of good things going on in Bourbon County,” he said. “The airport expansion, (on that project) the city and county will be working together. There are two bridges to replace in the county. There is exciting economic development in the county.”

Additionally, “I hope the county will be a part of reducing the overall tax liability for the county,” he said.

Meeks is a 1992 Fort Scott High School graduate, a 1994 Fort Scott Community College graduate, a 1996 Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO) graduate with a BA in education. He then earned a Master’s in Business Administration in 1998 and then graduated from Washburn University in 2001 with a law degree.  He was in private practice from 2003 to 2014.

“I’ve been back to Fort Scott since November 2005,” Meeks said. “I have a three-year-old son. He is the joy of my life. I plan on living in Fort Scott the rest of my life and raising my son with whom I share joint custody.”

“I hope the next county attorney takes the job as serious as I have the last three years,” he said. “I am looking forward to being able to serve in one job function.”

New County Attorney Chosen Tonight

The next county attorney will be chosen tonight by the Bourbon County Republican Party at their convention at the Fort Scott Livestock Market.

The Republican Party Chairman Randall Readinger passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in late December.

Gayle Sackett, who was vice-chairman, will lead the convention.

Because of Readinger’s death, the convention was postponed a few days past Meeks last day of January 2.

Following the appointment of a new county attorney, that person will “have to run in the next election,” in November, Meeks said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

This Week In Fort Scott By the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Leave a comment
2
Fort Scott Middle School Pizza Hut Night
4
Chamber Coffee, hosted by the Chamber Board of Directors at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St., 8am
4 Coffee with Doug, live music at Common Ground Coffee Co., 7pm

(Dangerous Doug Harper of Nevada, MO)
5-6 Livestock Sale, Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd., 10am
6 The Bunker Conceal Carry Class, 8am, $75 fee
6 Boiler Room Brewhaus Grand Opening, 11am, 102 S. National Ave., music, food & craft beer
Upcoming Events:
1/8 Informational Breakfast: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Strength Training Class for Older Adults, Buck Run
1/9 Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet, Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 8:30am
1/11 Biggest Loser Competition Begins at Buck Run, $15
1/12 Theology on Tap, Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main St., 7pm
1/15 Lunch & Learn, Martin Luther King Jr. Day speaker, Gordon Parks Museum, FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Building, 12pm

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Microbrewery Opens January 6

Leave a comment
Bryan and Barbara Ritter stand in the taproom of the Boiler Room Brewhaus.

This Saturday, January 6, Fort Scott’s first microbrewery will open at 11 a.m.

Named the Boiler Room Brewhaus, the brewery is located in the lower level of the Beaux Arts Center, 102 S. National. Entry is from the alley on the south.

Public parking is at First and National Streets and additionally,  Judson and Second Streets nearby. The Fort Scott Post Office parking lot is off-limits, however it is through the post office parking lot that one must enter the facility.

“It’s  a comfy atmosphere,” Barbara Ritter, who along with her sister-in-law Peggy Ritter are the owners, said. “No TV’s. We want to encourage people to talk to each other.”

In addition there will be board games.

There is a 40 person capacity in the tap-room, she said.

Right now, Barbara’s husband Bryan Ritter is the primary brewer.

He is making ales.

“Beers fall into two categories,” Bryan Ritter said. “Ales and lagers…most people in Bourbon County drink lagers such as Budweiser and Coors. I’m not going to focus on that right now.”

The cooler seasons are ale seasons, Bryan said.

“You want something thicker and richer,” he said. “There is 4-6 percent alcohol content.” He can produce one barrel per brewing session or about 33 gallons.

For opening night, they will have close to 100 gallons, he said.

In addition, Jake Johnson will provide the music that evening.

Only prepared snacks will be offered in the taproom with the beer.

“By Bourbon County law, 30 percent of sales have to be in food,” Barbara said. “We don’t want to be a restaurant. So we are hoping  to get some support by getting it put on the ballot to change the law for microbreweries.”

The hours for the brewery are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, 12 to 7 p.m.

Bryan Ritter holds a handful of toasted malt barley in the brew room of the Boiler Room Brewhaus. The hops Ritter uses is from the Kansas Hop Company, Ottawa.  The Honey Weiss he produces is from honey produced on the Ritter property, south of Fort Scott, Black Dogs Farm. Visitors can view the brewing system as they come in the brewery.
Barbara Ritter shows the jars that people may take the brew home in.
One of the three flavors currently offered at the Boiler Room Brewhaus.
Original web page

113 S National Ave

Fort Scott, Kansas

Google, Inc. Jan 2017

Report a problemReport a problem

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

A Healthier Workplace

2 Comments
Fort Scott Firefighter Colten Hoggatt works out at the Fort Scott Fire Department fitness room Wednesday. The City of Fort Scott has implemented a wellness policy to incent its employee’s  to get fit.

Recently, the City of Fort Scott Commissioners implemented a  policy to engage employees in becoming more fit.

This was in response to the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team challenging businesses to develop wellness policies, Deb Needleman, human resources director with the city, said.

Other entities challenged to promote wellness and physical activity were Fort Scott Community College, Mercy Hospital, USD 234, USD 235, Peerless Products Inc., McDonald’s Restaurant, Landmark Bank and Ward Kraft Inc.

“Fort Scott Community College passed their policy recently, too,” Jody Hoener,  administrator for the Bourbon County Healthy Pathway Grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas Insurance, said. “I talked to (FSCC President) Alysia Johnston, who said they have started painting the room where their (fitness) equipment will be,” Hoener said.

“We are setting up policies to encourage employees to exercise at least three hours per week,” Needleman said. “We’ll be rolling the policy out in January to our employees.”

For her part, Needleman has started CrossFit training.

“The policy will encourage me to do CrossFit three times per week,” she said. “But any moderate physical activity that gets the heart rate going,” will work.

If she continues her fitness program for the whole month, “The following month I’ll get an incentive, a $20 reimbursement in expenses,” Needleman said.

This money can be spent on “fitness club membership, shoes, a new tire for a bicycle or anything related to physical activity”, she said.

The outcome of the policy implementation is expected to be an increase in the level of activity which is intended to help the bottom line of each entity that participates.

“When you have healthy activity, employees are more productive, there are lower health care costs and lower employee absenteeism and higher employee retention,” Needleman said.

For the incentives, employees must meet the criteria set forth in the policy, and Needleman acknowledges that not everyone will.

The policy is not mandatory, Needleman said.

Still, the city has set aside $9,000 to $15,000 in its’ budget to incent employees to get more active.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team will survey the city staff in August or September 2018 to find out if the level of activity has increased and thereby are approaching or meeting national standards, Needleman said.

“We will look at and re-evaluate the policy at that time,” Needleman said.

“We were about one-half of the national standard,” when surveyed prior to implementation of the policy,  she said.

Increasing activity is the goal of year one of the policy, Needleman said.

“Year two, we will look at nutrition,” she said. “Healthy eating, food choices in the workplace.”

“Year three we will look at tobacco cessation,” she said.

Each worksite is eligible for $10,000 to implement a wellness policy  Hoener said.

Firefighter Colten Hoggatt, 25, pictured, works out even on his days off for about one hour, he said. The fire department has a separate building on site that it uses as a fitness room.

Fort Scott Fire Department Captain Dale Bolinger said the fire department currently tracks physical activity of each employee and that information is included in their employment evaluation.

 

Bourbon County

KState Extension: Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Now Available

Leave a comment

Submitted by Krista Harding, Southwind Distrist

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 5 to 18 inches, depending on species. Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud and sycamore. Shrubs available include American plum, choke cherry, lilac and sand hill plum.

This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area. The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The bundles offer a variety of trees designed to attract songbirds or quail. For example, the Songbird bundle contains 18 trees and shrubs selected for their attractiveness to songbirds. The Songbird bundle does not contain sufficient plants to meet all of the needs of songbirds, but once established, the bundle will create a small island of plants that will provide some year-round cover and supplemental food during late summer, fall and winter. This will attract birds for your enjoyment.

Not certain what you would like to order? Then stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted now through the first full week of May, with shipments beginning in March. However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees. Order forms and price sheets are available at the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola and Fort Scott, or can be mailed or e-mailed.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244- 3826.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

YAT Receives Check From Gunn Park Trails

Leave a comment
YAT members receive a check from Gunn Park Trail members at the site of the multi-sensory play area in Ellis Park Wednesday afternoon. From left: front is Frank Halsey, Gunn Park Trails organizer; Diana Mitchell, YAT member; and Penny Pollack-Barnes, Tri-Yak-Athon Race coordinator. In back from left are Tom Robertson, Eric Bailey and Larry Fink, all YAT members.

Slow but sure progress is being made on a playground for children in the community.

Youth Activity Team members met at the future site of a multi-sensory playground at Ellis Park in Fort Scott Wednesday to receive a  $2,500 check from representatives of Gunn Park Trails to add to the fundraising efforts to build the playground.

Frank Halsey, who has blazed trails at Gunn Park for about a decade and in the last five years initiated the annual Tri-Yak-Athon contest, was there with the check.

The Tri-Yak-Athon is a race for bikers, runners and kayakers, which this year was turned over to Penny Pollack-Barnes to help coordinate. Gunn Park Trails members host the Tri-Yak-Athon.

Barnes presented the check, which was proceeds from the Tri-Yak-Athon in October, to the YAT.

The YAT members present to receive the check were Eric Bailey, Larry Fink, Diana Mitchell, and Tom Robertson.

Halsey said this is the first money raised for a cause by the Tri-Yak-Athon.

“We appreciate what you’ve done,” Mitchell told Halsey.

The goal for the playground is $180,000 and with this check, $39,000 has been raised, Mitchell said.

The playground equipment will eventually be at the south end of Ellis Park, west of the basketball court and near the UMB Pavillion.

“We have a lot more fundraising to do,” she said.

The YAT have a list of fundraisers they have sponsored through the years.

In 2007 the YAT initiated a Miles of Pennies community fundraiser for the Guinness Book of Records; in 2008 they sponsored a Jason Aldean concert for the city; in 2009 they sponsored a Luke Bryan concert, Mitchell said.

Then the group took a few years off.

In 2011 both Aldean and Bryan and the Duck Dynasty family came for the last concert.

 

The planned multi-sensory playground will be located in Ellis Park at the south end.
Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Carnival Cruise of Mexican Riviera

Leave a comment

It’s not too late to say “Bon Voyage” to the winter blues
and join friends on a cruise of the Mexican Riviera!
Departing from Long Beach, CA and sailing to
Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.
Departing Kansas City for Los Angeles February 23rd
and returning March 3rd. Bus from Fort Scott to airport and back.
Space on this trip is becoming limited book now so you don’t miss out! This would make a great getaway present for the New Year!
For brochures contact Don Miller at 223-6423
For information and booking call Karen Keen 913-499-1331
Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

New Physical Therapist Joins Mercy

Leave a comment
David Shank

When opportunity knocks, listen.

For David Shank, DPT, the chance to use his physical therapy expertise to help patients near his hometown came sooner than expected. But, he knew the opportunity was something he couldn’t let slip by.

The community where he spent many years as a young adult had an appeal he couldn’t resist.

“I feel Fort Scott is a gem and I like the small-town atmosphere,” said Shank.

“I had been working as a traveling physical therapist since graduating from Kansas University Medical School in May 2017. My plan was to continue this for a few years. When the job opportunity came available at Mercy Health for Life, my plans were put on fast forward.”

Shank, a 2009 Uniontown High School graduate, attended Fort Scott Community College where he played football for two years. He then transferred to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in 2013. He began doctorate work in physical therapy later that year.

Life experiences have helped Shank appreciate and understand the importance of physical therapy. From personal football injuries to the physically demanding work as a welder, Shank has lived it.

“My interest in rehabilitating an injury progressed more as I dove deeper into the profession. I learned that physical therapy is about more that the human body; it’s about the whole person – physical, mental, spiritual – and helping to make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

“I know I’ve made the right career choice when my patients are able to walk again, say they are able to get out of bed without pain or they’ve been able to avoid surgery and yet feel 100 percent.”

Shank will care for physical therapy patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting as well as the occupational health environment.

“I hope to be a good resource for companies in our area because not only do I have the medical training in worksite occupational health, but I have the personal experience that can be beneficial in treatment, too.”

Shank joins a veteran Mercy Health for Life therapy team that includes physical therapists Denny Gillard and Janet Smith; occupational therapist Hugo Dahlstrom; speech therapist Afton Hyer; and physical therapy assistants Lisa Proctor and Rebecca Zimmerman.

For more information about Mercy Therapy Services, call 620-223-7073.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

FSCC Adult Education and GED Program Orientation Slated for January 10

Leave a comment

Fort Scott Community College will hold the next orientation for the Adult Education and GED Program on Wednesday, January 10. The program is eight weeks long, and students may choose from three sessions: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 to 4 p.m., or 4 to 7 p.m. 

“Through the program, students will work to complete GED modules including math, reading, science, and social studies,” said Aubrey Duft, FSCC Adult Basic Education Instructor. “The classes also focus on college readiness, career readiness, and technology.”

 Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.

 The cost for the class is $30 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included. 

The classes will take place in the FSCC Student Success Center, located in Bailey Hall, 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott. To enroll, please contact Aubrey Duft, FSCC Adult Basic Education Instructor, at 620-223-2700, ext. 4400.